DUSHANBE, 05.10.2018 /NIAT “Khovar”/. The head coach of the junior football team of Tajikistan (U-16) Zainiddin Rahimov after the victorious match over South Korea (main time — 1:1, penalty shootout — 7:6) at the Asian Championship Malaysia 2018 semi-finals said that the team dedicates this victory to the country’s President Emomali Rahmon, who celebrates his birthday on October 5th. NIAT “Khovar” has been reported by the press service of Tajikistan Football Federation.

Zainiddin Rahimov, Tajikistan head coach:

“We dedicate this victory to the President of our country Emomali Rahmon, who marks his birthday on October 5th. Leader of our nation makes a lot for the football development in Tajikistan. I’m very happy today, we played very well and I thank all the fans who came and supported us. Thanks to everyone who was supported and worried about us in our homeland. When we scored the goal, we tried to keep them out but they (Republic of Korea) came back and scored the equalizer. In the second half, it was hard, but the guys showed character, fought to the end for the victory in each section of the field. For this, I want to thank them very much! As for the penalty shootout, it is a lottery. As in the previous match, we were saved by goalkeeper Mukhriddin Hasanov. Now we have two days to prepare for the final match of the Asian Championship against the Japan. We will prepare carefully and compete for gold medals”.

Kim Jung Soo: Republic of Korea head coach:

“We had a very difficult game, especially as we conceded an early. The opponents put pressure on us. Tajikistan defended well in the centre, they were very strong in aerial challenges and their goalkeeper played well. We did struggle in the first half and couldn’t get possession and made many errors. Our players felt pressured in the second half because they couldn’t get the goals. Moving forward, we need to play more efficiently, we must be well trained to play against African and European teams in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup”.